The benefits of sedation dentistry are not limited to treating dental phobia
A recent study has found that the utilisation of dental anaesthesia in children can fix a long term dental health concern which has been affecting us since our evolution into the modern man. Wisdom teeth impaction has plagued our dental health for decades and they are a symbol that signifies pain and money spent to a lot of people. Here at City Smiles located in Melbourne we’re happy to offer affordable dentistry in state-of-the-art facilities.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
Anthropologists agree that wisdom teeth were essential tools in consuming our early diet (during cave man times). Then along came evolution and we were given the wheel, electricity, the internet and unfortunately, impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are considered as vestigial organs and are as useless in modern day as goose bumps or our tail bone. In fact, wisdom teeth are actually more of a hindrance nowadays than a useless item. They cost us time, pain and money as when they begin to erupt from the mouth, our modern mouths can no longer accommodate their size so we often have to have them removed by a professional dentist.
Sedation dentistry to null wisdom teeth development early
Sedation dentistry is commonly used as a means to treat dental phobia or fear of the dentist and is a necessary treatment when undergoing painful treatments. Surprisingly, a recent study has shown promising results utilising children’s anaesthesia as a means to treat wisdom teeth development before it starts.
Success has been recorded when injecting sedation solutions into the back of the mouth where wisdom teeth form. This nulls the development of wisdom teeth ‘buds’ which develop at around 6 years of age, readying the tooth to erupt later in life.
How does it work?
Because the bud of the tooth is much more delicate than a normal tooth it is more susceptible to damage and change. This may mean that the sedation ‘sedates’ or numbs the growth of the bud therefore either slowing the development or stopping it all together.
This treatment is still being tested, until it’s approved here are the other benefits of sedation dentistry and anaesthesia
General anaesthesia or IV sedation is a necessary dental tool used to make the patient comfortable and virtually pain-free during invasive treatments. Local anaesthetic may be used to numb a particular area of the mouth in less invasive procedures and often has a shorter effect. Sedation dentistry can also be used to treat dental phobia which can be very debilitating to people that are afraid of the dentist. This mental illness can cause them to avoid going to the dentist even when they’re experiencing severe pain and discomfort. It is important to remember that sedation dentistry is designed to make you comfortable during your treatments. There are a number of different types of sedation including:
- General anaesthesia (IV or inhalant): Used to send you to sleep during heavy or long procedures
- Local anaesthesia (often injectable): Used to treat a small target area – often used when getting fillings if necessary or other small procedures.
- Relaxation sedation (often an inhalant such as nitrous oxide): this can be used to emulsify feelings of anxiety and panic that may be experienced while visiting the dentist
